Canton, Stoughton ambassadors lead Memorial Day ceremonies

Tuesday

Jun 13, 2017 at 9:43 AMJun 13, 2017 at 1:20 PM

Emily Gareri, of Stoughton, and Thomas Singleton, of Canton, Project 351 ambassadors, were recently invited by Gov. Charlie Baker and Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña to deliver the Commonwealth’s statement of enduring respect, support, and gratitude at local Memorial Day observations throughout Massachusetts.

Project 351 — a statewide, youth-driven service organization that convenes an eighth grade student from every city and town in Massachusetts for a transformative year of development, enrichment, and impact through unique service opportunities — was selected to demonstrate statewide reverence and gratitude to the fallen and their families, and to unite the Commonwealth in shared patriotism and support for the military community.

“We are honored and humbled by Secretary Ureña’s invitation to help unite the Commonwealth in remembrance on Memorial Day by engaging our young leaders to read Governor Baker’s proclamation,” said Carolyn Casey, executive director and founder of Project 351. “For seven years, Project 351 has been committed to lifting up young people as the best example of kindness, compassion, and generosity — and among that is our sustained commitment to honor, remember, and appreciate veterans, military, and military families.”

Since its start in 2011, Project 351 has empowered more than 2,600 students and impacted more than 405,000 people through service projects across the Commonwealth. Each year, Project 351’s new generation of eighth-graders convenes for a year’s term to develop the courage, confidence, and capabilities to lead change.